Keeping Them Well: Pet Wellness Care for Your New Pet

A new year has begun, and we’re sure that some of you have added a new pet to your family this holiday season! New pets are such an exciting way to add love and fun to your home, but they also take some adjustment as you become familiar with your pet’s health needs and personality. There’s a lot to learn about keeping your new pet healthy – from exercise and nutrition to pet wellness and preventive care. At Androscoggin Animal Hospital, it’s our job to help you learn the best ways to keep your new pet healthy, and we’re excited to get started!

Pet Wellness and Preventive Care 101

One of the best ways to help keep your pet healthy is with preventive care and optimal wellness routines. But what exactly is preventive care?

Preventive care is a set of guidelines widely accepted by veterinarians regarding how to keep pets healthy during every stage of life. Good preventive care requires a plan to keep your pet both healthy and happy. At our practice, we make that plan together with you and base it on your pet’s breed, age, and physical condition.

Begin With a Physical Exam

Seeing your pet (at least) every year for a nose-to-tail physical exam is the best way to determine their overall health. We definitely recommend making this your top priority. What do we mean by “nose-to-tail?” During our exam, we assess all the body systems, including:

Ears, eyes, and nose

Body condition/weight

Teeth and mouth

Abdomen and digestive system

Skin and coat

Lungs and heart

Lymph nodes

Bones and joints

We also review nutrition, behavior, exercise, and all the tools and tricks we know to help prevent disease. Of course, we also answer any questions you have and as a bonus – we have so much fun getting to know you and your pet!

Other Components of Pet Wellness

In addition to a complete physical exam, good pet wellness also includes:

Pet Wellness Plans Explained

To help ensure we’re all on the right track from the beginning, we’ve put together pet wellness plan packages. These packages help us know exactly what we should be addressing to keep your pet healthy at every stage of life – and they can save you money, as well.

Hospital Hours:

Map and Directions:

The materials offered on this website are intended for educational purposes only. Androscoggin Animal Hospital does not provide any veterinary medical services or guidance via the Internet. Please call and schedule an appointment, or consult your veterinarian for matters regarding the care of your pets.